Kathairo Solutions

Hey, STOP! This is how I respond to my son playing his “game” of walking around with his eyes covered. He sees it as harmless and fun because of his youthfulness. I have a wider perspective. I see potential for great harm if he is not careful. As his eyes are covered, I can see the things he is willfully avoiding.

We’ve all been there—someone close to us is overwhelmed by emotions. Their words may be sharp, their decisions impulsive, or their perspective clouded by what they feel in the moment. In those times, it can be tempting to step back, shut down, or try to “fix” them with logic. But caring for people when feelings take the lead requires something deeper: presence, patience, and perspective.

1. Lead with listening.
When emotions run high, the most powerful gift you can offer is your ear. Resist the urge to correct or control. Listening doesn’t mean you agree; it means you value the person enough to let them be heard.

2. Anchor in empathy.
Emotions often signal something beneath the surface—hurt, fear, hope, or longing. Ask yourself: What might this person be needing right now? Empathy connects you to their humanity, not just their feelings.

3. Hold the bigger picture.
Feelings can be strong, but they don’t have to dictate reality. Your role is not to match their intensity but to gently remind them of perspective. This might look like asking thoughtful questions or offering steady presence until the wave passes.

4. Be introspective
The best way to lead others blinded by their emotions is to regularly check yourself. Good leaders are self-aware and provide emotional stability for those under their care:

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? ⁴ How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

-Matthew 7:3-5 NLT

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